According to the World Health Organization (“WHO”)
“A fall in an event which results in a person coming to rest inadvertently on the ground or floor or other lower level.”
Most common fractures due to falls
Hip fracture
Femur (thigh bone) fracture
Pelvic fracture
- Spine compression fracture
- Humerus (arm bone), forearm bone fracture
- Leg and ankle bone fracture
Seniors' Falls in Canada
- Falls are the leading cause of injury among older Canadians
- 20-30% seniors experiencing one or more falls each year
- Falls cause 85% of seniors' injury-related hospitalizations
- Falls cause 95% of all hip fractures
- Fifty percent of all falls causing hospitalization happen at home
- Falls can result in chronic pain, reduced mobility, loss of independence and even death
- Falls cause $2 billion a year in direct healthcare costs
- Over 1/3 of seniors are admitted to LTC following hospitalization for a fall
- Injuries due to falls rose 43% between 2003 and 2008
- Deaths due to falls rose 65% between 2003 and 2008
- The good news is that falls are preventable and action can be taken by all
- The average Canadian senior had to stay in hospital 10 days longer for falls than for any other cause
Risk Factors
- Acute health conditions: UTIs, TIAs, constipation, delirium, and dehydration
- Aging: Causes decreased strength, balance, and reaction time
- Behaviours: confusion, agitation, wandering, impulsive may increase the risk of falls
- Chronic diseases: OA/RA, Diabetes, Parkinson’s, MS, HT, CVD, COPDs, Dementia
- Cognitive impairment: Presence of cognitive disorders, Dementia, Alzheimer’s, STML, delirium
- Decreased strength and balance: Due to aging
- History of falls: 3 or more falls in the last 3 months equates to an increased risk for falls
- Footwear: Improper foot wear may leads to falls risk
- Incontinence: 2/3 of seniors are incontinence due to the aging process
- Medications: Sedatives, Antidepressants, Antipsychotics, Antihypertensive medications, Diuretics, NSAIDs, Vasodilators; all of which can cause side effects including hypotension, drowsiness, confusion, dizziness, blurred vision, and delirium
- Vision and hearing deficits: Glaucoma, Cataracts, Macular degeneration
- Unsteady: Due to aging
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